Secondary school in Offaly town allocated new Autism Inclusive Special Class
Approval for 2026/2027 school year at Oaklands Community College in Edenderry
The Department of Education and Youth has tannounced the latest tranche of special classes.
As part of the announcement, TD for Offaly, Deputy John Clendennen has confirmed that Oaklands Community College in Edenderry is to receive an Autism Inclusive Special Class for the 2026/2027 school year.
Speaking on the announcement, the Fine Gael rep said, “This is very welcome news for Oaklands Community College and the wider community of Edenderry. During a recent visit to the school , the need for extra special class capacity was highlighted and it’s great to receive this confirmation this morning.”
This latest announcement brings the total number of new special classes for the upcoming school year in Offaly to fourteen.
New special classes were previously announced for Mercy Primary School Birr, St Brendan’s Boys Primary School, Durrow National School, Scoil Mhuire Tullamore, Clonlisk National School, Rhode National School, Scoil Bhride Croghan, St Colman’s National School (Cappagh NS), Tullamore Educate Together National School, Coláiste Choilm, Tullamore College, Banagher College and St Brendan’s Community School Birr.
The new Inclusive Special Class will be backed by additional resources including teaching staff, SNAs, and funding for equipment and any necessary school adaptations.
“I am conscious that Oaklands Community College is also waiting for progress on their new school building, and I am continuing to work with my colleagues in Government to move forward on this project, as well as others across the county. I want to commend the leadership and staff at the school as well as Cllr Liam Quinn on the strong work already being done, “ concluded Clendennen.